Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Thursday, November 17, 2011

I never want to come off as someone who has constant rainbows shooting out of my butt...because that's not real life, and I want this blog to represent me...all of me.

Being Type 1 diabetic is a BIG part of my life, and I have felt recently that I wanted to share a little more about that side of me. I have also received quite a few e-mails from other type 1 diabetics asking if I could talk about it more.

I have been diabetic for 19 years. I was diagnosed when I was 7. My symptoms were:

I lost a significant amount of weight

Had no energy

Was extremely thirsty

Wanted to sleep all the time

I was irritable

I was starving (because my blood sugars were up in the 800s..which is near death range) and had to pee every 10 minutes due to the high amount of sugar that was in my bloodstream.

My Mom and Dad thought I had a bladder infection (because I was going to the restroom every 10 minutes) so they took me to my pediatrician. He knew right away something was wrong. He tested by blood and told my parents to sit down. He said, "She has Juvenile Diabetes (different from type 2) we need to get her to the hospital as soon as possible." My Mom fainted! Yep..

The Dr. told me I would have to spend a little time in the hospital in order to get better. I was scared. Hospitals are where people go to die (in my 7 year old brain that's what I thought). I found out a few years later that I would have most likely gone into a permanent coma if I was diagnosed any later.

I took one last shower before we left for the hospital and I remember standing there crying. Why was God letting this happen to me? My Mom and Dad packed me a suitcase and off we went.

I stayed at Children's Hospital in San Diego for one week. I still remember to this day the sweet nurses that helped me understand what I was going through and what I would have to do.

I had to start doing shots (4 a day) and testing my blood sugar every hour or so. I got to practice on my Dad. He would let me inject his arm with saline every time I had to do an insulin shot so I did not feel alone. Looking back, that makes me smile.

I remember asking, "When will I get better?" The kind nurses gently told me that I was going to have to do this for the rest of my life. I grew up a lot that week at Children's Hospital, I knew things were going to be different.

I have definitely had some scary moments with diabetes. I have had three seizures due to low blood sugar. My parents were always worried about me and sleepovers did not happen when I was little unless one of the parents was either a Dr. or a Nurse.

Fast forward to today.

I am a healthy, married 26 year old woman with a perfectly healthy 16 month old son with another baby on the way. Diabetes is a huge part of my life and it is something that I deal with everyday. Everything I eat and do I have to think about.

Yes I still have moments where I feel scared and weak and wish diabetes would just go away, BUT I know God gave this to me to somehow help others that may be feeling like they are all alone in the world of diabetes.

70 comments:

You are a strong, amazing woman....but we know that strength comes from God...as it should.Diabetes has affected our family severely (on both sides...a type 1 case and a type 2.)When I read how your dad would let you practice on him so you wouldn't be alone, tears came to my eyes. What a perfect example of what a father's (or mother's) love should be....and how much more our Heavenly Father loves us and lets us know we are not alone.Life is definitely not "all rainbows" (thanks for that lovely and lively description. Ha!)

Living healthy with diabetes takes a lot of strength! I seriously don't know how people do it. I can't stand needles and it's tough eating right all the time. Major props to you for taking care of yourself.

Lindsay thank you for sharing this! How scary this journey started out for you. My heart melted when you said your dad let you practice saline shots on him! Your attitude now is awesome- you are amazing!!

What an amazing woman you are!!!!Thank you so much for sharing your story! Know that all of your bloggy friends are praying for you and your sweet new bundle of joy (coming soon) :-)blessings love,Maggie

Oh Lindsay. You're a tough cookie! That's a lot to go through. When I was in elementary school my mom thought I might be diabetic. I have hypoglycemia and fear that it will turn into diabetes at some point. Thanks for sharing with us. I'm positive you've made more than one person feel better. You're in my thoughts as you go through this new pregnancy. xoxo

{sorry...typos above} Thanks for sharing your story Lindsay...it made me cry! As I've told you before, me niece (who is my daughter's BFF) was diagnosed almost exactly 2 years ago, at age 8. Her levels were super, super high too. She is so incredibly brave and started giving herself the shots immediately (I've heard some kids don't do this for years). But I know that it is really hard for her to be around other kids "who get to eat whatever they want, whenever they want"! It's hard enough being a kid without having to deal with diabetes but they remember to be thankful that she can lead a happy, healthy life...with the help of some insulin!

Linked to your blog last night from Pintrest. SO thankful to God I did! I am a diabetic as well, and nervous at the idea of having a baby. I hear so many horror stories and I love to hear successful ones better :)

One of my best friends has type 2 diabetes so I know how that is with you almost every second of every day (well as best I can from the outside). I'm so happy for you that you have such a fabulous support system (your dad getting saline injections made me tear up) and positive attitude. Great post - I'm sure it will help a lot of people.

Thank you for sharing this. I love how open you are on your blog, it is one of the reasons I keep coming back to read, along with many other wonderful reasons! I love what your dad did for you at a young age letting you practice on him, thats a loving gesture! I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!!

You are so strong! I totally admire you! I can't imagine having to grow up that much at 7 years old. And I think you are amazing for having such faith through all of this! Thank you for sharing this, it's so inspiring.

My best friend has type 1 and I am constantly amazed and how she's not only handled it, but persevered through it. She's now a registered dietician and hopes to helps other young kids who are going through the diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your story. xo

This is a fantastic post, Lindsay. I love that you share so much with us...it is true - real life isn't always rainbows (you made me laugh there!)... we all go through tough times. Thank you for shedding some light on type 1 diabetes...I know you have helped those that also have it and you have educated people like me who didn't have a clue. You are so brave and so admirable :) I feel so thankful to know you {at least through your blog} xoxoxo brynn

Completely touching! Thank you for sharing! My grandmother had diabetes, two of my uncles have diabetes, my dad is a borderline diabetic... it definitely runs in my family. It's wonderful to "meet" people through blogging that we can turn to for advice or just consolation if we ever needed to. :)

I'm so thankful when I read an honest blog post and today, you have definitely done just that. To have gone through so much especially at such a young age and to see where you are today, WOW! Simply amazing. I pray that God continues blessing you and your family. :)

Lindsay, this is an amazing post...I can't believe you went through all of that at such a young age. I feel scared thinking about it. I passed this post along to my cousin - her 7 year old was just diagnosed and like you, spent a week in the hospital. They are struggling now to figure it all out. xo

Thank you so much for sharing this with the rest of us. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to deal with this on a daily basis, but your strong and you seem so positive about it! It's wonderful to have a person like you to share you experience in way that may help another person dealing with the same situation!

Thank you for sharing this. I know you will help lots of people who are in a similar situation. I am so glad you have such a great attitude about this though. You are an amazing person Linds! Good luck with this pregnancy!

No joke, this post totally made me tear up. I do not have diabetes but several people in my life - do. And I know first hand that it is a very serious (and scary) matter. I admire your strength and positivity through it all ... it's truly admirable and touching. And the fact that your father let you inject him as well, is so very cute and heart warming. Take care girl.

I just walked in the JDRF Walk for a Cure in LA two weeks ago! In fact my November ad sponsorship rates all went to JDRF :) Our dear friend's daughter was diagnosed 3 years ago at almost 4 years old and it's been hard but with her pump, she is living 'almost' as normal of a life as any other kid. Thanks for sharing your story.

hi lindsey. :) first of all you are such a beauty! i love that picture.

second, this post made me cry. my little brother was 17 when he was diagnosed with Type 1, his symptoms were exactly the same as yours. it was so scary at the time because before anyone realized he was sick, he were all thinking - "why is he so mean all the time? why is he sleeping so much?" we just had no clue. we got him to the hospital in the nick of time.

I have seen him go through so many low points because of his illness and it breaks my heart. He has always been interested in really physical work - like going into the military, offshore welding - (dangerous) things like that...and diabetes has prevented him from doing so.

He recently got a pump, which has made such a positive improvement in his life. He gained about 20 pounds and seems so relieved because he doesn't have to monitor himself quite so closely.

we worry about him a lot because he takes it hard. hearing someone thriving with diabetes gives me hope that he will find his road to happiness, illness and all.

I can't imagine how scary it must have been at that young age to be diagnosed, but it sounds like your care providers and parents helped you tremendously! So glad that your story continues to stay positive. You really have a wonderful attitude about it. Thank you for sharing!

Lindsay,First of all, you look so beautiful in this photo!! I love it so much!Second, this post rocks. I love honest woman to woman posts because authenticity is what touches lives. Couldn't agree more when you said:"I know God gave this to me to somehow help others that may be feeling like they are all alone in the world of diabetes."

Such a nice story, Linds! Nice to know that life can go on after our scariest moments. & had no idea you were expecting another baby! Congratulations! I must have missed that announcement. So excited for you. -Ami

What an insightful and inspirational post Lindsay. I love it when others share things that aren't always shiny & pretty about our lives - it makes us normal and human. I think you're an amazing individual though and love your attitude to your situation with the diabetes, it's strong women like you who are shining stars in an otherwise (or sometimes) negative world. I have to say I was extra grateful after reading it for my health, you have taught me that!

My wife has been a type-1 for 38 years (she was diagnosed when she was 10) and 4 years ago my daughter was diagnosed at 10. My daughter can count carbs like a Jeopardy contestant and she has never let diabetes define her. I plan to pass your blog along to both of them!

I am 29 years old and I also have type 1 diabetes I was diagnosed w/ diabetes when I was 13 and the doctors at the time actually thought I had mono and encouraged me to eat more!. I have 2 healthy boys, Preston age 4 and Aiden age 2. Fortunately my diabetes was well controlled and both pregnancies were healthy and normal. I stumbled upon your website through Pinterest and I am inspired by the recipes posted, unbeknownest you also are diabetic. Thank you for sharing your story and also such healthy recipes that my entire family may enjoy!

I just stumbled on your blog and want to say thank you. My 8-y-o daughter Virginia has Type 1, dx when she was 5. I love reading your mothering stories and other life bits. They make feel inspired and optimistic for Virginia's dreams too. Life is so sweet, and maybe all the more with diabetes reminding us how precious it truly is. Thank you for sharing!

thank you for sharing your story, a friend referred me to your blog for low carb recipees :-)I am pre-diabetic ( almost a type 2 )which is different of course, but similar in other ways. how encouraging to hear your story ! thank you for sharing it ! God bless :-)

I just found my way to your site today - your brownies are on Pinterest! I too have diabetes. I just wanted to reach out to you - there's a huge community of people with diabetes on Twitter. If you'd ever like to get involved I'll gladly send some of my friends your way :)

Thank you so much for your blog! I found it through Pinterest and it is now one of my favorite reads! Our daughter was diagnosed 6 months ago (after a very scary ER trip in DKA- with all the symptoms you showed) with Type 1. She is 6. She also has food allergies including gluten, dairy, egg, and soy. Your recipes are amazing! I am so thankful to find a place with good tasting, healthy food. I made the flour less zucchini brownies today and they are delicious. My daughter was actually excited with a low blood sugar reading because she got to have an extra one! Blessings to your family and new baby's birth!

As others have said, thank you very much for sharing your story. Reading this made me "choke up" a bit too. My fiance has type 1 diabetes (diagnosed at 11) and it plays a BIG role in our lives as well. We want kids one day but knowing the stringent planning and dedication needed to monitoring her diabetes during pregnancy is worrisome. However, reading about your success eases my thoughts a bit. Thank you so much for sharing. I've already passed along your blog. Keep up the great work!

I have had type 1 diabetes for about 10 years (was diagnosed in college). I had 2 healthy pregnancies and natural deliveries with healthy babies. So nice to hear your story and know there is another momma out there going through the same things health-wise as me :) I have very good control as well, but it does take a lot of work. Did you notice any more difficulty with spikes in your blood sugars after having kids? My sugars seem to be pretty stable for a couple weeks and then I will have a few days where they run high and I need a higher basal rate than normal, seems to cycle like that and I never had that issue before kiddos. Also wondering where you keep your pump? I don't see it in any of your beautiful photos :)

This post has been so encouraging to me! I was pointed to your blog this past week by a fellow blogger. I also have Type 1 (pushing 11 yrs). My husband and I are working towards being able to have a child. But, the road to that has definitely started out a little bumpy.

I would love to know more about your diet and regimen before and during pregnancy. Did you pursue the pump and continuous glucose monitoring? The whole process to even consider pregnancy has been a challenge for me in trying to make changes that will last. And figuring out where to start. Thank you for being willing to talk about your story...God is using it to encourage others!

Thank you. My son was diagnosed at the end of July and his number was 1187. He was mercy flighted to the hospital and we were all very scared (i still am but don't tell him that!) It does me good to see that he will be okay. Thank you so much for sharing!

I'm proud of you the same as I am for my own Mom. She is 47, she's had diabetes type 1 since she was 8, and they told her back in the day that she couldn't have kids, that she wouldn't live past graduation, and here she is with two adult children, 6 feet+, and couldn't be more happier in life just knowing she's living it. It's tough, I know. In fact, my Mom taught me at a young age how to dial 911 and I can sense when she has low blood sugar. I'm so happy to see others that realize that they can LIVE with Diabetes type I.

Hi there.. I know I'm finding this years after you posted it, but I am also Type 1, for 21 years now, and it's so lovely finding other strong women who have T1D and have successful lives and families (and who are into Paleo and eating healthy!). Congrats to you for being an inspiration to us all. Looking forward to following your blog and trying your recipes!

Thank you so much Linday, for your story! It is so encouraging and an example of a great attitude! We just found out our seven year old daughter has type1 as well. God definitely lead me to your site. Your site is so nicely done and inviting. Keep up the wonderful work! I'm sure I will continue to visit and can't wait to show my daughter.

Thank you for sharing your story. I have been diabetic since the age of 23 ( 13 years ago). I was already married with kids when I got sick. My blood sugar was around 600, and I was passing out. I had all of the symptoms you mentioned. I was so scared to have to take shots, but so thankful that what I had was manageable. Its amazing what becomes a normal part of everyday life! Thank you for being an inspiration!